Expert Dental Care

What Does Beer do to Teeth?

Premier Dentistry for Denver, Cherry Creek & Englewood, CO

Posted: July 11, 2018

According to Westword, within city limits, Denver has 55 breweries with taprooms that are open to the public. This does not include second locations or “gypsy breweries,” those with Denver addresses but out-of-city liquor licenses. Add those in and you get 66. And that number goes to 72 when you include second locations and larger breweries, all within a state that has hundreds of breweries throughout, acting as testament to our love of craft beer and craft beer culture.

If you are among the people in our state who love all things beer, you may eventually wonder, “What does beer do to my teeth?” That’s a reasonable question - and one with a fairly mixed answer.

Let’s start with the bad: beer contains acids that can quickly work to demineralize enamel, exposing dentin and increasing risks of sensitivity, infection, and decay. This is particularly true of sour beers, lambics, and red ales, but can be the case even with lighter beers like pilsner. Dark malty beers, while perhaps not as high in acid, can quickly stain and discolor teeth as well, allowing beers from all ranges to have at least some impact on oral health and beauty.

It’s not all bad news, however. Beer contains hops and hops have natural antibacterial properties that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Hops and malts, the other main ingredient in beer, contain silicon and calcium, minerals that are essential for healthy teeth. What’s more, beer has been shown to aid in digestion by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. Moderate beer drinkers are also 40% less likely to develop kidney stones.

Tempering the Affect of Beer on Your Teeth

Clearly, beer offers both benefits and risks for oral health. So, while still enjoying a brew, how do you neutralize its impact on your teeth? Well, there are several ways:

Drink water while and after drinking beer

Select lighter, less acidic beers more frequently

Eat dark leafy greens while drinking beer

Only drink in moderation

And of course, brush after every meal and snack, floss both morning and night, and visit our Cherry Creek office every six months for cleanings and examinations. If beer has stained your teeth or eroded your enamel, our experienced dentists can help restore comfort and aesthetics, often in just one visit.

Call 303-321-5656 to schedule a consultation at DeWitt Dental Associates today. Located in Cherry Creek, we serve all surrounding Metro Denver communities.

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Cosmetic dentist Dr. DeWitt has posted this website about cosmetic dentistry treatments for informational purposes only. The content within these pages should not be perceived as formal dental advice, nor does the understanding constitute a formal relationship with Dr. DeWitt. Contact our office to schedule a consultation for formal advice. We are happy to assist patients in Denver, Cherry Creek, and surrounding areas.This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.